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Holter and Event Monitoring
Recording an Irregular Heartbeat

What are Holter and Event Monitoring?
Holter and event monitoring are two painless ways to record your heartbeat away form the doctor's office. Each one is a small electrocardiogram (ECG) that you carry with you. They record your heartbeat for your doctor to review at a later time. The Holter records your heartbeat nonstop for at least 24 hours. The event monitor lets you record your irregular heartbeat as you feel it. You simply press a button. You may carry this monitor for days or weeks. You can receive your heart monitor in a hospital, test center, or doctor's office.

Your Holter Monitor
When you receive a Holter monitor, small, painless pads (electrodes) are put on your chest. These connect to the lightweight unit, which attaches to a belt or shoulder strap. You need to keep the device on for at least 24 hours and complete a diary.
While wearing the monitor follow these tips:
  • Try to sleep on your back.
  • Don't take a shower. A sponge bath is OK.
  • Follow your normal routine. Don't avoid stress, work, or exercise.
  • If an electrode falls off or the unit makes noise, call to be see what you should do.
    * You'll be shown how to use your Holter monitor.
    * Be sure to keep a diary while wearing a monitor.

    Your Event Monitor
    After you are shown how to use your event monitor, carry it with you at all times. When you feel a symptom, activate the monitor by pressing a button (wristwatch style) or holding it to our chest (small box or credit card style). Be sure to keep a diary.

    When Using a Monitor:
    Stay away from electric blankets, magnets, metal detectors, and high-voltage areas such as power lines. They may affect the recording.

    Holter Monitor
    In the diary:
  • Write in the time of day for each entry you make
  • Note each change in activity, including when you take medicine.
  • Note any symptoms you feel.

    Sample Holter Monitor Diary
    Time
    Activity
    Symptom
    7:00 am
    Took medicine
    None
    7:30 am
    Ate breakfast
    None
    8:00 am
    Drove to work
    Heart beat faster
    9:00 am
    Meeting with boss
    Heart beat faster
    Note: Your diary entries will differ from the samples shown above.
    Event Monitor
    In the diary:
  • Write the date and time for each entry you make.
  • Note any symptoms you feel and what you are doing at that time.
  • Note when you take your medicine.

    Sample Event Monitor Diary
    Date
    Time
    Activity
    Symptom
    May 12
    8:00 am
    Got dressed
    Felt dizzy
    May 15
    9:15 am
    Drove to work
    Mild chest pains
    May 21
    5:56 pm
    Shopping
    Felt Dizzy
    Note: Your diary entries will differ from the samples shown above.

    Your Test Results
    You will be told how to return the monitor and data. A computer is usually used to analyze the data. Then a report is prepared for your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.









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